False Hawaiian missile alert sparks panic in US

An incoming missile alert plunged residents of Hawaii into panic yesterday, January 13, morning before it was declared a false alarm.

Mobile phone users received a message saying, “Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill.”

State Governor David Ige apologised and said it was caused by an employee pressing the wrong button.

The US government announced there would be a full investigation.

An alert system is in place because of the potential proximity of Hawaii to North Korean missiles.